Arizona: Condoleezza Rice Endorses Ben Quayle

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice endorsed Rep. Ben Quayle (R) today in his bid for re-election.

Quayle is in a Member-vs.-Member primary fight with fellow freshman Rep.David Schweikert.

“We must send the best people to Washington to represent us and Ben is someone who understands the values and principles that make — and keep — America exceptional,” Rice wrote in a press release. “Ben Quayle is part of a new generation of effective leadership throughout the country and the state of Arizona and I am proud to support and stand with Ben in Arizona’s 6th congressional district race.”

Quayle’s father, former Vice President Dan Quayle, served with in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. The younger Quayle leaned heavily on his father’s contacts during his first run for Congress two years ago.

The primary is Aug. 28 and is expected to get nasty. So far, though, the two Members have focused on running against President Barack Obama rather than each other.

The winner of this primary will almost assuredly win in the fall. Roll Call rates this seat as Safe Republican.